Ipswich: Police appeal for help to solve distraction burglary in Westgate Street

The incident happened at around 10.30am yesterday when the woman, who is in her 80s, was shopping in Westgate Street.

She was looking at some clothes when she was approached by a woman who started talking to her.

A short while later the victim realised her purse had been stolen from her open handbag. The long blue purse with a snap fastening contained a quantity of cash but, more importantly, was of sentimental value as it contained a photograph of her late husband and son.

The woman who distracted her is described as mixed race, around 5ft 5ins tall, of athletic build with dark hair tied back off her face, aged in her late 30s and she wore light clothing.

If you have any information about this theft or know the whereabouts of the purse you are asked to contact Pc Jennifer Scott-Lee at Ipswich Police on 101.